lot of suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lot of suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant amount of pain or distress experienced by someone or a group of people. Example: "The war caused a lot of suffering among the civilian population, leaving many families devastated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It requires a lot of suffering.

University of California, Berkeley

That's a lot of people — and a lot of suffering.

The New York Times

"There is a lot of suffering from this.

The New York Times

There is a lot of suffering in Poppea".

The Guardian - Music

And so that there is a lot of suffering out there.

University of California, Berkeley

"I think his faith told him there was a lot of suffering.

The New York Times

But that still leaves 800m people hungry, which translates into a lot of suffering.

The Economist

As Fierst put it: "Our kids don't put up with a lot of suffering.

The New York Times - Magazine

Decisions made by both sides have led to a lot of suffering.

The Guardian

"There was a lot of suffering to get the world's attention".

The Guardian - Sport

There's no doubt that the conflict here has left a lot of suffering to go around.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lot of suffering", consider specifying the cause or context to provide a clearer understanding of the situation. For instance, "The economic crisis caused a "lot of suffering" among the unemployed" offers more clarity than simply stating "There was a "lot of suffering".

Common error

While "lot of suffering" is acceptable, it can sound less formal. In academic or professional writing, consider using alternatives such as "significant distress" or "considerable hardship" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lot of suffering" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the degree or extent of hardship experienced. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lot of suffering" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe a significant degree of pain, distress, or hardship. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase. News & Media sources frequently employ it, while academic and formal settings might benefit from more sophisticated alternatives like "significant distress" or "considerable hardship". When using "lot of suffering", providing specific details about the cause or context can enhance clarity and impact. Be mindful of overuse and opt for more formal language when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Great deal of suffering

Replaces "lot" with "great deal", emphasizing the extent of suffering.

Significant amount of distress

Substitutes "suffering" with "distress", highlighting the emotional or mental anguish experienced.

Considerable hardship

Focuses on the difficulties and privations experienced.

Extensive pain and anguish

Emphasizes both physical and emotional pain.

Profound adversity

Highlights the challenging and difficult circumstances faced.

Immense torment

Stresses the severity and intensity of the suffering.

Widespread misery

Focuses on the collective suffering experienced by a large group.

Abundant affliction

Highlights the presence of hardship and distress.

Substantial agony

Emphasizes the intense physical or mental pain.

Heavy burden of sorrow

Highlights the emotional weight and sadness associated with suffering.

FAQs

What does "lot of suffering" mean?

The phrase "lot of suffering" refers to a significant amount of physical, emotional, or mental pain and distress experienced by an individual or group.

What can I say instead of "lot of suffering"?

You can use alternatives like "great deal of suffering", "significant distress", or "considerable hardship" depending on the context.

Is "lot of suffering" a formal or informal expression?

While "lot of suffering" is widely understood, it tends to be more informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "significant amount of distress" or "profound adversity".

How can I use "lot of suffering" in a sentence?

You can use "lot of suffering" to describe the consequences of a specific event or situation. For example: "The war caused a "lot of suffering" among civilians", or "The disease brought a "lot of suffering" to the community".